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• Organisers halt all cultural activities at Athletes' Village Korea’s rider Kim Hyung Chil died in a tragic accident during the Equestrian Individual Cross Country competition this morning.

Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) announced this news at an official Press Conference, attended by Chung Hyun Sook, Chef de Mission of South Korea.

The veteran 47 year-old Kim Hyung Chil, from Seoul, was crushed under his mount Bundaberg Black on Fence 8.

The horse is under observation and there are no visible injuries. Kim was the oldest among the Korea Equestrian team and had won the Silver Medal in the team competition at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan.

The competition resumed after two and a half hours, following approval by the technical delegate, who inspected the course and the fence after the tragic accident. The technical delegate had cleared the competition in the morning, following which the event commenced.

“The competition has lost a noble and an able rider. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased, the whole South Korean team participating in Doha 2006 and the people of the nation. May God grant him eternal rest and the family great strength in their hour of distress,” added Mr Al Khulaifi.

Dr Abdulwahab Al Musleh, Head of DAGOC’s Medical Committee, said the rider was crushed by his horse after falling while clearing the 1.5m high fence. “The medics who rushed to the spot immediately resuscitated him but found the rider to be pulse-less. The resuscitation continued enroute to the hospital before he was pronounced dead at 10:15am. Our deepest sympathies go toward the family, friends and the South Korean team participating in Doha 2006.”

Hussain Al Musallam, Director General of Olympic Council of Asia, also expressed deep regrets over the tragic loss. “I am shocked at the death of this well-known athlete. The OCA and the family of NOCs extend their sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased sportsman.”

Christopher Hodson, Vice-President of the International Equestrian Federation, who also addressed the media during the Conference, said a mandatory investigation has begun into the incident. “We are deeply distressed at this incident and send our condolences to the family and the nation,” he said.

A minute’s silence was observed across all venues and DAGOC has suspended cultural activities in the Athletes’ Village.